Buffy the Vampire Slayer Ep 8 FULL Reaction
Added 2021-10-30 00:04:37 +0000 UTC
Comments
Personally I like this episode even if it's goofy. Tbh there are still people being tricked on the internet by people pretending to be somebody else, books are still elitist, and our thoughts are 100% being manipulated by the internet. Parts of this are dated, sure, but only the hardware and the methods used, because they look obvious and clunky and 'we wouldn't fall for that now'. But that's not the point. That's how it was done then, it's different now, it's far more subtle. The writing is a bit clunky so you can hate on that but all the Giles and Ms Calendar stuff is great, as is the final scene where the kids realise their love lives might be doomed and it's pretty damned dark and a neat idea somewhat poorly executed, but it's not THAT bad! I dunno, I never quite get the hate (although I certainly agree that it's FAR from the best episode lol)
R J Walker (FumblesMcStupid)
2021-11-27 15:16:41 +0000 UTCAlmost everyone watching Buffy for the first time likes this episode. And the majority of Buffy fans who have seen every episode rates it near the bottom. It just demonstrates that it's perfectly placed as the 8th episode.
Ross43
2021-11-06 03:56:11 +0000 UTCI think the premise of this episode is amazing. A demon soul is inadvertently scanned from an ancient book into the internet, and uses magic to manipulate teens into building him a robot body? Fuck yeah. The execution of it doesn't quite match up, though.
Briony Addey
2021-10-31 14:19:24 +0000 UTCNot a great episode lol. However Miss Calendar is a cool character ♡ the way she kind of picks on old man Giles ;)
x_Rhi_x
2021-10-30 14:06:22 +0000 UTC“To read. Makes. Our. Speaking. English. Good.” And “I’m jacked in. I’m jacked in. I’m jacked in.” Only two reasons to enjoy this episode.
Ashley
2021-10-30 12:42:20 +0000 UTCI always skip this when watching Buffy reactors so this was actually a lot of fun for me since I barely remember this one. There’s actually a lot of good social commentary and I thought they handled the concept of a virtual demon in a unique way. Just some points… 1. Xander & Willow: I totally get your frustration because you’re right, it’s obvious, he should get over Buffy haha. However, the point about noticing Willow…I know this is debatable but I’ve concluded for myself that if your instinct is to friend-zone someone then you should trust that. Obviously infatuation can lead you astray too so you also need depth…but in the case of Willow…just because someone is a good person and has amazing qualities doesn’t mean they are the right one for you. 2. Online predators: Most kids these days are very technologically savvy but I remember the rise of messenger around this time when it was quite new and it was easy to find a virtual stranger and fall victim like Willow. I always tried to stay away from those chats because it’s true that it really could be anyone and I really liked that the show tried to address the dangers of that…and to be honest I think that message is still relevant today. 3. Old vs New: I’m not against technology…the online community I’ve found through reactions has been amazing but I do love how Giles’ concern about “a society where human interaction is all but obsolete” is more relevant today than ever as you said. Also his point about “smelly books” was so beautifully put and his perspective about the tangible is exactly how I feel. Willow fell prey to Malcolm because she was lonely. The underlying desire for people using virtual platforms (e.g.: facebook, online communities, obsession with selfies etc) is because we all want to be seen, validated and loved. I think that’s natural, but for me, the virtual can never satisfy those needs because what we’re really seeking is real life human interaction and touch. Anyway, this one may not be a fan favourite but I really like how it made me think….plus I’m really enjoying your engagement and reaction to this show, it’s always fun! :)
Effie
2021-10-30 11:13:05 +0000 UTCGreat assessment of the underlying issues this episode focuses on Nick! Can't wait for the next episode lol. Oh, and you're a very clever man indeed. Once it happens, you'll know what I'm referring too 🤣
Trav Gorin
2021-10-30 06:44:24 +0000 UTCWe didn't see what happened with Dave the boy who died, But I always thought it was the other boy Fritz? killing him then faking a suicide. Your interpretation that Mulock still had that much control over him is great if darker one.
Bud Haven
2021-10-30 04:13:30 +0000 UTCthose that didn't like this ....it had it's place, this was when social media was just becoming really popular. so this was about internet predators. A lot of the episodes that are what they call filler tend to have alternate sociatal messages of the time period as the years go on.
Glorie Bluestein
2021-10-30 02:50:07 +0000 UTCAs others are saying, this is... not generally a very well-regarded episode, to say the least. There's a lot that feels pretty dated and cringe-inducing (Willow speaking the messages she's typing to "Malcolm" aloud, "if you're not jacked in, you're not alive!", etc.). It gets some points from me for creativity, though, and it does explore some interesting themes. Giles' little meditation on how books have the advantage of being "smelly" is a nice moment, too. Actually, all the interactions between Giles and Ms. Calendar are a lot of fun--here's hoping we get to see more of them in the future!
ghostofdurruti
2021-10-30 02:49:58 +0000 UTCMy takeaway from this ep is usually: Moloch/Willow = Don't ship it. Giles/Calendar = Ship it. I'm a bookworm but if I wasn't jacked in, I wouldn't be able to enjoy this type of content. Points for both.
Kelley
2021-10-30 02:47:02 +0000 UTCThere was a good idea buried in it somewhere, but man, there's a lot that's painful about it.
FernWithy
2021-10-30 01:47:21 +0000 UTCI recommend to friends who are thinking about watching Buffy that there are only a few important episodes in season one This IS NOT ON THE LIST..
Allan Cornett
2021-10-30 01:30:10 +0000 UTCIf you've made it this far and you are still interested, the worst is behind you. Not that there aren't stinkers here and there, but nothing gets this bad from here on out.
Tim Pierce
2021-10-30 00:18:58 +0000 UTCQuite possibly my least favorite episode of the season, if not the show…? This one is so rough for me haha. It’s definitely a product of its time but not in a fun way. Feels very preachy, almost. I definitely tend to skip this one when I rewatch the series on my own haha
Ritchie
2021-10-30 00:07:11 +0000 UTC
